Law360 Canada (December 10, 2024, 2:28 PM EST) — The holiday season can be both a joyous and challenging time for lawyers. For some, it can be the furthest thing from a “holiday.” While December offers opportunities
for celebration, family gatherings and reflection, it can also present unique stressors. Year-end deadlines, client expectations and personal obligations can feel overwhelming. Left unchecked, these stressors can lead to
burnout, anxiety or even strained relationships.
Fortunately, with some proactive strategies, lawyers can mitigate holiday stress and enjoy the season without sacrificing professional responsibilities. Here’s how:
- Set realistic boundaries
One of the biggest challenges lawyers face during the holidays is maintaining a balance between
work and personal life. To do this effectively:
Communicate clearly: Let clients and colleagues know your availability during the holiday season. Use your email autoresponder and voicemail to manage expectations and provide alternative contacts for urgent matters.
Protect personal time: Establish specific times when you won’t check emails or take calls. Share this schedule with your team to ensure respect for your boundaries.
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities — it’s about prioritizing your well-being
to better serve others. - Prioritize and delegate
The holidays often coincide with year-end deadlines, audits and billing cycles. These demands can amplify stress. Mitigate this by:
Making a task list: Identify urgent tasks and those that can wait until the new year.
Delegating wisely: Assign tasks to capable team members. Delegation not only reduces your workload but also empowers others.
Avoiding overcommitment: Decline or defer non-essential meetings, projects or activities during this time.
By focusing on high-priority tasks, you’ll alleviate unnecessary stress and improve productivity.
- Practise mindful scheduling
Holiday events and obligations can quickly fill your calendar. Without careful planning, you risk Mitigating holiday stress: Practical tips for lawyers | Gary Mitchell – Law360 Canada overloading yourself.
Use a calendar: Block time for professional commitments, family gatherings and self-care activities.
Schedule downtime: Reserve time for relaxation or activities that recharge you, such as reading, exercising or meditating.
Be flexible: Leave room in your schedule for unexpected changes or opportunities.
A well-organized calendar helps you stay on top of commitments without feeling overwhelmed. - Manage financial pressures
For lawyers running their own practices, year-end can bring financial stress, from meeting revenue
targets to covering holiday expenses. To manage this:
Review your finances: Assess where you stand against your annual budget and identify areas to cut costs if needed.
Plan for bonuses: If your firm provides year-end bonuses, set clear expectations with your team early.
Avoid impulse spending: Stick to a holiday budget for personal expenses to prevent financial strain in January.
Financial clarity reduces anxiety and allows you to focus on enjoying the season. - Take care of your health
The holiday season is notorious for unhealthy habits — overindulgence, lack of sleep and skipping workouts. These behaviours can exacerbate stress and affect your performance. Combat this by:
Maintaining a healthy diet: Enjoy holiday treats in moderation and prioritize nutritious
meals.
Staying active: Even a short daily walk can improve your mood and reduce stress.
Getting enough sleep: Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night to stay sharp and
energized.
Your physical health is closely tied to your mental well-being. Protecting it will help you navigate the
season with greater resilience. - Set aside time for reflection
Amid the busyness of the season, take time to reflect on your achievements and growth over the
past year. Consider:
Journalling: Write about your successes, challenges and goals for the future.
Celebrating milestones: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.
Planning for the new year: Set intentions and priorities for the year ahead to start January
with clarity.
Reflection helps you approach the holidays with gratitude and a positive mindset. - Seek support when needed
If stress becomes unmanageable, don’t hesitate to seek help:
Mitigating holiday stress: Practical tips for lawyers | Gary Mitchell – Law360 Canada
Talk to colleagues: Share concerns with trusted peers who understand the demands of the legal profession.
Engage a coach or therapist: Professional guidance can provide fresh perspectives and coping strategies.
Lean on your support system: Friends and family can offer emotional support and encouragement.
You’re not alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. - Remember the reason for the season
Finally, don’t lose sight of what makes the holidays special: connection, gratitude and joy. To stay
grounded:
Focus on what matters: Prioritize meaningful relationships and traditions over perfection.
Give back: Volunteer or donate to causes you care about to experience the satisfaction of
helping others.
Be present: Practice mindfulness to fully enjoy each moment, whether at work or home.
When you embrace the spirit of the season, stress takes a backseat to what truly matters.
Conclusion
The holidays are a time of celebration and renewal, but they can also be a source of stress for lawyers balancing heavy workloads and personal obligations. By setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, practising self-care and seeking support, you can navigate the season with confidence and ease.
Remember, managing holiday stress isn’t about doing it all — it’s about doing what matters most. By adopting these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy a fulfilling and stress-free holiday season. Gary Mitchell has tailored his coaching practice exclusively to lawyers since 2005. He has three books published; his latest, Growing a Law Practice During COVID-19, was published by LexisNexis in 2021.
Recently, Mitchell launched a new app to help lawyers grow their practices, The Law Practice Builder
App™. He now hosts The LawBiz Podcast™, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. He
can be reached at gary@cohanleon.saimrasool.com.
The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
author’s firm, its clients, LexisNexis Canada, Law360 Canada or any of its or their respective
affiliates. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be
taken as legal advice.
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